Published/Revised July 8, 2016 By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

France is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating countries in Europe. It’s no surprise that over 80 million tourists per year are lured to L’Hexagone (the French nickname for France, which refers to the physical shape of the country) by its culture, gastronomy, fashion, history, and lifestyle. Indeed, it’s hard to adequately describe France’s appeal, that certain je ne sais quoi, to someone ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 14, 2014 By Marilyn McFarlane This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Mystery and legend swirl around Rennes-le-Chateau, a medieval village in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southwestern France. Visitors come by the thousands, curious to see the home of ancient family codes, a secret society, hidden treasure, and religious conspiracies. I go for the incredible views of the landscape and, yes, the intrigue of it all.
The area is known for its beauty, ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 14, 2014 By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

I enjoy revisiting places I went to in France during my younger years now that I am an adult. It has reinforced for me the notion that age brings, if not wisdom, at least a different perspective and appreciation for history and culture. I remember visiting the medieval walled village of Carcassonne when I was nineteen and marveling over these buildings and walls that were older than any structure ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 11, 2014 By Terri Fogarty This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The Aude , a “department” or district in the Languedoc region is Cathar Country, whose most notable towns are Narbonne and Carcassonne. Cathar was a Christian sect that flourished in western Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was considered heretical and was roundly condemned by the Roman Catholic Church. Carcassonne is one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. Viewed at ... Read Full Article